The goal of cupping is to relax muscles, encourage blood flow, release toxins, calms the nervous system and create a pleasurable and comfortable experience. By stretching body tissue upwards from underlying structures cupping will loosening knots and adhesions and relaxing myofascial tissue and muscles, allowing clients to experience tremendous relief. Cupping brings nutrient rich blood to tissues and promotes healing by draining stagnant blood, toxins and lymphatic fluids.Cupping Therapy decompresses skin and underlying fascia causing it to gently lift up into the suction cup.

What happens during a cupping therapy session?

You will have a consultation with your therapist and complete an intake form. You will discuss the concerns you would like to address with the cupping treatment. You will advise your therapist of any other treatments you are receiving and any health conditions that may be incompatible with cupping therapy.

The therapist will then be able to assess where best to place the cups. The back is the most commonly used area. Other areas of the body can be used too, fleshy areas are preferred as they lend themselves well to suction.

The application of oils or herbal infusions to the skin will occur to aid with the movement of the cups. Various cupping techniques will be applied such as gliding, suction and release and gentle shaking of the cups. Cups may also be left in place for 5-10 minutes

You will be covered to maintain warmth and be advised to avoid extreme heat or cold or baths for 4-6 hours after a cupping session as the skin’s pores will be open.

How does Cupping feel?

Gentle pressure will be used during your first session and gradually increase in as you get used to the sensation. You may feel a tight pulling sensation as the cups are applied. If you are feeling pain, be sure to tell your therapist so they can adjust the suction of the cup.

Cupping therapy causes some discolouration on the skin so many people assume it must be painful. The marks may last between 1 day and 2 weeks.

TYPES OF CUPPING

There are different types of cupping you can try, each with there own benefits. The type you have will depend on your personal circumstances and the preferences of your therapist. Different types include the following:

Fixed or Stationary cupping

This just means that the cups stay fixed in place during the treatment. The amount of time they're left on will depend on the type issue that is being treated. Cups are left on between 5 - 10 minutes.

Moving /gliding cupping

Therapist will use oil to lubricate the skin to glide or moved cups on the skin during the treatment.

Suction & ReleaseThe therapist will apply the cup and then shortly after remove the cup. This is done to gently loosen the tissue before or during the treatment.

~ Dermatological disorder

~ Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

~ Menstrual & Menopausal discomforts

~ Gastrointestinal issues like stomach aches​ & IBS

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO CUPPING - Who should avoid cupping?

When carried out by a qualified professional, cupping therapy should carry little to no risk. However, it is advised that the following groups of people avoid it:

~ Those who bleed easily and/or cannot stop bleeding

~ Pregnant women

~ Menstruating women

~ Those with metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another)

~ Those with muscle spasms or bone fractures.

~ In addition to this, the therapy should not be carried out on sites of the body that have the following:

~ An ulcer

~ An artery

~ Deep vein thrombosis

~ Heart, kidney, liver failure or disorders

You are advised to consult your doctor before trying any new complementary therapy. They will be able to advise you on which therapies are suitable (or unsuitable) for you. You should also tell your therapist if you are concerned about any of the above.